A Qualitative Study of HIV/AIDS Social Policy Implementation in Rural Central China: Recipient Perspectives

Social assistance policy initiatives are crucial to improve the socio-economic conditions of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Little is known about the implementation of HIV/AIDS social assistance policies in China, as well as the effects on recipients of the subsidies associated with these policies. This qualitative study examined HIV/AIDS social assistance policy implementation in rural Central China, a region heavily affected by HIV/AIDS. Using thematic analysis, we analyzed data from 15 interviews with PLWHA in Fuyang City, Anhui. The findings reveal the predominant role that social assistance policies played in mitigating the deleterious impacts of HIV/AIDS on PLWHA. These policies provided living subsidies and greatly reduced the economic burdens through medical and educational assistance plans. Our findings also highlight challenges with implementation of the policy, including access and coverage issues, inadequate subsidies, stigma, and issues related to recipients’ privacy. This study provides recommendations to improve social assistance policies that mitigate the negative impacts of HIV/AIDS on vulnerable households.